Conventions of a Horror film.

Lighting; 

The lighting in a horror film is usually quite dark. Low key lighting is commonly used as it creates a sinister atmosphere. Most people are afraid of the dark as the thought of the unknown is scary, this is why using low key lighting is effective as the viewer can relate to how the character may feel. Also the darkness always the use of shadows become more apparent. Seeing a shadow would be more effective then just seeing a character holding a weapon, as you can see them, shadows add to the mystery and suspense.

Location -

Locations in horror films can range widely. Location for a horror film is a key part to setting the mood for a film. Usually the location is in a isolated area in perhaps a derelict building, mansion, a basement, a cabin etc. Isolation is quite key as it can help the viewer connect with how the character may feel, eg; alone. For example; if a character was in a busy New York street getting chased with a gun, it wouldn't be as effective as a character running through a abandoned hospital with the sound of running footsteps behind them.

Clothing-

In horror films, colour connotations are usually used to portray - red, black, navy. Dark colours such as these are represented as not everyday clothes that most people would wear. This takes the horror film out of reality and also low key lighting usually used in horror films go with the dark clothing to create the characters who intend to cause harm blend into the shadows, such as the image below.

Weapons - 

Weapons are one of the key props used in horror films as they show and represent the conflict between characters. Weapons range from; Knives, guns, saws, hammers etc, anything which could cause harm to someone. Although the weapons would not be real and made of alternative materials such as plastic, the weapons are made to look realistic enough to look believable.

Blood -

A large amount of blood can be normally shown to represent how gory that particular scene is and that a character will have obviously been seriously hurt. A pool of blood is clearly never a good sign so it would show to the viewer that something bad has happened. 

Camera Work- 

Lots of camera angles can be used in Horror genre films. However when we see Hand Held, Low angle, close up etc, its more un-organised which can add to the mystery of that scene. This type of amateur camera use can be very un-steady for a viewer to watch as they can only see what that character wants you to see, meaning the background and surroundings may not be visible to see creating mystery. 

Characters- young/teenagers

Younger characters or a group of teenagers are commonly used in horror films as stereotypically they can be seen as more vulnerable to a horror situation then probably an adult would be. Teenage characters may also be used to relate to the target audience the film is aiming for. Teens watching the film may feel a connection to them or feel more sympathy.